Manchester United could help Arsenal secure William Saliba’s future with the Gunners ahead of next season. And they can do this by sanctioning the sale of Eric Bailly.
According to French Journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Marseille will come in for Bailly in the summer after failing to sign him in January. The Manchester United defender is expected to leave when the season finishes, and he has offers to consider from Italy.
This has emerged after constant links between Marseille and Saliba and the potential to turn the current loan deal into a permanent move. However, if Les Phocéens decide to sign Bailly, it could cool their interest in the French defender, as they have already strengthened in the centre-back position.
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Saliba has shown the maturity required at Marseille to be a regular Premier League centre-back, playing more minutes than any other player aged 20 and under in Europe's top five leagues. The French defender has proven to be crucial for Jorge Sampaoli's side and has started every Ligue 1 match since joining the club.
A flurry of marvellous displays earned him a spot in the starting XI of France's best under-23 players, put together by French newspaper L'Equipe. This has also saw be awarded the club's Player of the Month three times this season.
Saliba has been called up to the World Cup holders' squad due to his excellent loan stint at Marseille. This has been proved by his marvellous statistics, which make him one of the best defenders in Ligue 1 this season.
Arsenal fans have been anticipating his return to north London ahead of next season. However, this is not guaranteed after the recent comments he had made about a potential return to Marseille.
Saliba's latest comments suggest that they may have to wait even longer before seeing him in north London. "There is always a chance," he said in an interview after being asked whether he will stay at Marseille next season. "I do not hide that I am very happy in Marseille.
"I have developed, I have passed a milestone. If I make it into France's squad, it's thanks to Marseille because there is a lot of visibility. They are a very big club with a lot of pressure, but when you're good, there are a lot of good things that happen to you. We will see in May or June, depending on the discussions. Today, my future, I don't know what it is.."
The Frenchman has shown his quality during his loan moves, and he could be a crucial part of Arteta's rebuilding process, especially if he challenges Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White for a starting position. With Rob Holding's future as a Gunner also uncertain, it will be important for Saliba to re-join for the squad depth and not just his ability. Manchester United could play a big role in the youngster deciding to stay at Arsenal ahead of next season.
